PennDOT Form MV-16A: Abandoned Manufactured Home Title

What Is PennDOT Form MV-16A?

Form MV-16A is titled “Application for Abandoned Manufactured Home Certificate of Title or Non-Repairable Certificate.” It is specifically designed for situations in which a manufactured home (also commonly called a mobile home) located in a manufactured home community has been legally declared abandoned under Pennsylvania law.

The form allows two distinct outcomes:

• Option 1 – Issuance of a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title to a purchaser after the abandoned home is sold.
• Option 2 – Issuance of a Pennsylvania Non-Repairable Certificate when the abandoned home is destroyed or discarded because its value is too low to justify storage and sale.

These procedures are authorized by Section 398.10.2 of the Manufactured Home Community Rights Act (68 P.S. § 398.10.2). Once a home is properly declared abandoned, the community owner or authorized person may sell it or dispose of it, and PennDOT will issue the appropriate document upon submission of Form MV-16A and required supporting materials.

When Do You Need Form MV-16A?

You need this form only after a manufactured home has been declared abandoned pursuant to the Manufactured Home Community Rights Act. Abandonment is typically established either through:

• A judicial determination by a magisterial district court (following a judgment for possession and execution of an order for possession), or
• A written statement from the resident confirming permanent vacation and relinquishment of all rights and ownership interest.

Common scenarios include:

• A resident leaves the home and fails to pay lot rent for an extended period.
• Utilities are terminated, insurance is cancelled, and personal property is largely removed.
• The community owner follows statutory notice and disposal procedures and then sells or scraps the home.

Form MV-16A is not used for ordinary title transfers, tax sales, or cancellation of title when a home is permanently affixed to real property (those situations use other forms such as MV-1 or MV-16).

How to Complete Form MV-16A – Step-by-Step Instructions?

The form contains five main sections (A through E). Which sections you complete depends on the option you select.

Option 1 – Certificate of Title for a Sold Abandoned Manufactured Home

Use this option when the abandoned home is sold. The purchaser receives a clean Pennsylvania Certificate of Title showing no encumbrances.

• Section A – Manufactured Home Information: List the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) if known, title number (if known), year, make, model, last owner’s name (if known), and the street address where the home is or was located. If the VIN is unknown or cannot be located, attach a completed Form MV-41 to request a state replacement VIN plate.
• Section B – Applicant Information: Enter the purchaser’s full name, address, Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID number (or Business ID/EIN for a company), and telephone number. The name must match the bill of sale exactly.
• Section C – Manufactured Home Community Information: The community representative completes this section, providing the community’s name and address, and signs to certify that the home was abandoned under the Act and that the information in Section A is accurate.
• Section D – Applicant Signature: The purchaser (and co-applicant if applicable) signs under penalty of perjury using the unsworn declaration language.

Required attachment: Bill of sale from the manufactured home community. The original title (if available) should also be attached; otherwise a title fee is required.

Option 2 – Non-Repairable Certificate for a Destroyed or Discarded Home

Use this option when the community destroys or discards the home because the costs of storage and sale would exceed any potential proceeds.

• Complete Sections A, B, and C as described above (applicant is the manufactured home community).
• Section E – Unsworn Declaration for the Issuance of a Non-Repairable Certificate: The community representative records the date the home was destroyed or discarded and signs the unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury.

Title must be attached if available, or a title fee is required. Once a Non-Repairable Certificate is issued, PennDOT notes on its records that no future title should be issued for that home.

Required Fees for Form MV-16A

A fee is required for both options. PennDOT directs applicants to consult the current Bureau of Motor Vehicles Schedule of Fees (Form MV-70S) for the exact amount. As of the most recent published schedule, the standard fee for issuance of a Certificate of Title is $72. Additional fees may apply if a lien is involved or if other services are requested.

Payment is typically made by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Confirm the current fee amount on the official PennDOT website before mailing your application, as fees can change.

Where to Submit Form MV-16A?

Mail the completed form, required attachments (bill of sale, original title if available, Form MV-41 if needed), and fee to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
1101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516

Always use the most current version of the form. You can download the official PDF directly from PennDOT:

Download Official PennDOT Form MV-16A (PDF)

For general questions, contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 (TTY callers dial 711) or visit www.pa.gov/dmv.

Important Tips for a Successful Application

• Use the latest revision of the form (currently marked MV-16A (4-25)). Older versions may still require notarization in some sections; the current version uses an unsworn declaration under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904.
• Ensure all names and addresses match exactly across the form, bill of sale, and any supporting documents.
• If the VIN is missing or illegible, complete and attach Form MV-41 before submitting.
• Keep copies of everything you send for your records.
• Processing times vary; allow several weeks and check the status through PennDOT if needed.

Related Pennsylvania Forms and Resources

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

• Form MV-41 – Application for Correction of Vehicle Record or Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (for unknown VIN).
• Form MV-1 – Standard Application for Certificate of Title (for non-abandoned situations).
• Form MV-16 – Application for Cancellation of Certificate of Title (when a manufactured home is permanently affixed to real property).

Official information and forms are available exclusively through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation website. Always verify details with PennDOT, as procedures and fees are subject to change.

Conclusion

PennDOT Form MV-16A provides a clear, statutory pathway for manufactured home community owners and purchasers to obtain proper documentation after a home is abandoned under Pennsylvania law. By carefully following the instructions for Option 1 or Option 2, attaching the required supporting documents, and paying the applicable fee, you can secure either a clean Certificate of Title or a Non-Repairable Certificate.